Creating a space where everyone knows they belong
Our differences make us stronger
We strive to make everyone feel welcome in our community and to empower all to speak freely so we can learn and benefit from hearing all voices. In doing this we allow everyone to take advantage of opportunities, to grow and succeed, and to elevate society.
Aero's Space to Belong
A committee of faculty, staff, and students was charged in 2021 to enhance the feeling of community, belonging, and trust within the Aerospace Engineering department and to help resolve conflict within the department.
What do we mean by belonging...
Welcoming
The Alma Mater statue at the intersection of Wright and Green Streets holds her arms open, welcoming all. It is a visual reminder of our continued efforts to let students, faculty, staff and visitors know they belong here.
Uniquely Together
Great ideas and change don't typically arise from homogeneity. We acknowledge and celebrate our uniqueness. It is our differences that can help lead us to new ideas, breakthroughs and growth.
Community
We strive to create a campus community where all members are and feel respected, have a sense of belonging, and are able to participate and achieve to their greatest potential.
A Q and A on with Dept. Head Jonathan Freund
Why is diversity valuable in academia and in STEM?
I see two main costs when we fail---in any way---to be diverse.
As a leadership institution, Illinois does world-leading research and trains future leaders to impact technology and society. Both are done best when we draw on the broadest possible pool of talent in aerospace engineering. This means welcoming recruiting from every race, country, disability, religion, gender, and orientation.
If anyone feels unwelcome, it is unlikely they will achieve their potential, which is a missed opportunity for the department, the university, and the society we serve. A diverse environment is one of the best ways to foster a sense of inclusion that allows realization of personal potential.
Belonging Committee Contacts
Tess Saxton-Fox
Committee Chair
tsaxtonf@illinois.edu
Melkior Ornik
mornik@illinois.edu
Jordan Smart
jtsmart@illinois.edu
Laura Gerhold
gerhold@illinois.edu
Debra Levey Larson
dlarson@illinois.edu